That's what Sunday's Athens Housing Authority Youth Achievement Award's program was all about: community members coming together to support area youths in their successes and encourage them to continue their hard work as they proceed in life.

Around 114 young public housing residents received awards for citizenship, good grades, athletic involvement and other activities that require dedication.

Receiving the most prestigious awards for being ''outstanding youth'' were Faatimah Stevens, a rising junior at Clarke Central High School; Christopher France, a rising sophomore at Cedar Shoals; Ebonee Smith, a rising eighth-grader at Clarke Middle School and Antonio Sims, a rising sixth-grader at Hilsman Middle School.

''My immediate family has always tried to push me hard, and my grandmother makes tons of sacrifices for me,'' said France, a resident in the Rocksprings area. France, who was honored for citizenship, academics, athletics and school attendance, hopes to attend an Atlanta university and become an electrical engineer.

Smith, who hopes to some day become an obstetrician, said her parents Elizabeth and Franklin Smith and other supporters offer her the motivation she needs to succeed in life. In addition to earning high marks, she is also involved with the East Athens Educational Dance Center and is a member of the Girl Scouts.

Smith and other youths performed a dance routine before the crowd of more than 100 Sunday afternoon.

Members of the East Athens Educational Dance Center entertain the audience assembled to watch an awards ceremony for the children of Athens Housing Authority. The ceremony recognized youth for outstanding achievement in academics, the arts, sports, school attendance and community service. Travis Long/Staff

''I like to read and focus on schoolwork,'' she said. ''My mother motivates me and my father and my mentor. They help me to strive to be what I want to be. They tell me I can be whatever I want to be if I put my mind to it.''

Like fellow outstanding students, 11-year-old Sims, who lives in the Nellie B. area, said of his family and community members: ''They push me.''

Among the speakers at the awards ceremony was Danny Davenport, who grew up in the Pauldoe public housing area and is currently a coach for the Clarke Youth Association.

''Don't let anyone tell you there is not something special about growing up in public housing because there is,'' Davenport said, noting the positive upbringing he got from family and community members.